via Getty
SCARPERIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Mick Schumacher of Germany prepares to drive the Ferrari F2004 of his father Michael Schumacher before the F1 Grand Prix of Tuscany at Mugello Circuit on September 13, 2020 in Scarperia, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
via Getty
SCARPERIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Mick Schumacher of Germany prepares to drive the Ferrari F2004 of his father Michael Schumacher before the F1 Grand Prix of Tuscany at Mugello Circuit on September 13, 2020 in Scarperia, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Mick Schumacher is joining Haas F1 next season. The team announced the news on Wednesday, and he will join Nikita Mazepin as his teammate. Haas is playing a gamble with two inexperienced drivers. Hopefully, the team will end their poor run of races beginning next season.
Mick Schumacher’s father, Michael Schumacher, has one of the most successful legacies in Formula 1. Damon hill believes that living up to the family name can be a blessing and a curse at the same time.
When Mick Schumacher was only 14, his father was injured in an unfortunate skiing incident. Hill, having gone through his own loss as a kid, believes that the incident has given Schumacher a greater sense of purpose.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“It really is tragic what happened to Michael,” he said. “Mick has experienced something in his life which has been very tough to bear, and I am sure it is a little bit of extra motivation that he will have.”
via Reuters
FILE PHOTO: Racing driver Mick Schumacher attends an event to celebrate 90 years of Italian premium sports car maker Ferrari racing team at Milan’s Duomo square, in Milan, Italy September 4, 2019. REUTERS/Flavio lo Scalzo/File Photo
Mick Schumacher could feel under pressure of father’s legacy
Damon Hill was in a similar circumstance as his father won two world championships during his time in Formula 1. When he decided to race, his background was not easy to look over.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He said, “There is a sense that some people don’t want you to have a go. I felt like some people felt: ‘Why is he doing this? He is never going to be as good as his dad.’”
“It does not necessarily follow that because your dad was a world champion that you will be any good, but that should not prevent you from a having a go. You should be able to have a go if you merit it, and F1 will find a way to see if you merit it,” he further added.
The outcome is simple. If he performs well, there won’t be any problem. On the other hand, if he cannot perform, it could lead to a lot of criticism.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is safe to assume that Mick Schumacher will feel a bit of pressure coming next season. He has already proved his racing skills in Formula 2, but Formula 1 racing is of a different level. It will be interesting to see how Mick’s Formula 1 career pans out. If he stays true to the family name, race wins may not be that far ahead.
Read More – Mick Schumacher Eager to Step in for Romain Grosjean at Haas F1 for Abu Dhabi GP
